Writing utensil safety sheath

ABSTRACT

A writing utensil safety sheath comprising a body having a first open end and an internal channel. The internal channel is sized to retain at least a portion of a writing utensil in either a first extended position or a retracted position. The writing utensil safety sheath also has a grip affixed to and extending beyond the first open end of the body. The grip contacts a writing end of the writing utensil when the writing utensil is in the first extended position thus retaining the writing utensil in the first extended position while writing. When a force applied to the writing end exceeds a predetermined amount, the writing utensil retracts back into the body by sliding through the grip into the first open end of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/770,501, filed on Nov. 21, 2018, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of school and office supplysafety, and more particularly to a writing utensil sheath that preventsharm that may be caused by accidental exposure to the writing utensilpoint.

BACKGROUND

The writing end of a pen or pencil is hazardous and can cause injury toperson or property. During use, the exposed writing end presents astabbing hazard. If the writing end becomes exposed when a writingutensil is in a bag or pocket, the writing end can stick or snag duringtransport. The problem of accidentally snagging or stabbing is solved bya writing utensil sheath.

SUMMARY

The Writing Utensil Safety Sheath securely stores a writing utensil in aretracted position for storage or transport. Then, a user may extend thewriting end or an opposite end out of an open end of the Sheath for use.However, when a force more than a predetermined force is applied to anextended writing end, the writing end will slide back into the Sheathwithout harm to the object that applied the force.

In one embodiment, the writing utensil safety sheath has a body having afirst open end and an internal channel. The internal channel is sized toretain at least a portion of a writing utensil in both a first extendedposition and a retracted position. The sheath also has a grip affixed toand extending beyond the first open end of the body. The grip contacts awriting end of the writing utensil when the writing utensil is in thefirst extended position thus retaining the writing utensil in the firstextended position while writing. The grip allows the writing end of thewriting utensil to retract back within the first open end of the bodywhen a force applied to the writing end exceeds a predetermined amount.

In another embodiment, the writing utensil safety sheath has a slot onthe body exposing at least a portion of the writing utensil within theinternal channel. The slot allows a user to manipulate the writingutensil within the body.

In another embodiment, the writing utensil safety has an O-ring affixedaround the body. The O-ring applies compressive force to the body thusfurther retaining the writing utensil within the body.

In another embodiment, the writing utensil safety sheath has a notch inthe body to receive the O-ring thus allowing the O-ring to contact thewriting utensil and apply additional compressive force.

In another embodiment, the writing utensil safety sheath has a secondopen end and a second grip. The second grip is affixed to and extendsbeyond the second open end of the body. The second grip contacts anopposite end of the writing utensil when the writing utensil is in asecond extended position thus retaining the writing utensil in thesecond extended position during use.

In another embodiment, the internal channel is sized to retain both thewriting end and an opposite end of the writing utensil in the retractedposition.

In yet another embodiment, a writing utensil safety sheath includes abody having a first open end and an internal channel. The internalchannel is sized to retain at least a portion of a writing utensil inboth a first extended position and a retracted position. The writingutensil safety sheath also includes an O-ring affixed to the body andapplying a compressive force on the body to secure the writing utensilin either the first extended position or the retracted position. TheO-ring allows a writing end of the writing utensil to retract backwithin the first open end of the body when a force applied to thewriting end exceeds a predetermined amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the Writing Utensil SafetySheath of the present disclosure with a writing utensil in a retractedposition;

FIG. 2 illustrates the writing utensil in a first extended position;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the first embodiment of theSheath showing the separate parts;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the Writing Utensil SafetySheath having a second open end; and

FIG. 5 illustrates the writing utensil in a second extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, one exemplary embodiment of the Writing UtensilSafety Sheath 1 of the present disclosure is shown. The Sheath 1 iscomprised of a body 2, a first open end 4, a grip 6, and where body 2includes a slot 8. The grip 6 is affixed (either permanently orremovably) to the body 2 on the first open end 4, and a portion 7 of thegrip 6 extends out beyond the first open end 4 of the body 2. The body 2has an internal channel 12, which is partially revealed by slot 8. TheSheath 1 is configured to receive a writing utensil 10 through the firstopen end 4 and within the channel 12. The channel 12 is sized to retainthe writing utensil 10 within the body 2. The writing utensil 10 isslidably retained within the channel 12.

In some embodiments of the Sheath 1, a second end 14 is closed orincludes an eraser 16. The eraser 16 may be interchangeable orreplaceable. In other embodiments, second end 14 could also be open.

In a retracted position, the writing utensil may be completely concealedwithin the body 2, as shown in FIG. 1, thus shielding the point of thewriting utensil 10. In one exemplary embodiment of the Writing UtensilSafety Sheath 1, the body 2 may be approximately 7.5 inches in length.However, the Writing Utensil Safety Sheath 1 could be made to any lengthand adapted to be used with writing utensils of various lengths anddiameters.

In one exemplary embodiment of the Writing Utensil Safety Sheath 1, thediameter of the internal channel 12 is sized to accommodate the writingutensil 10 such that the utensil 10 cannot slide freely without someforce applied by a user. By way of example, to accommodate a standardpencil, the internal channel 12 may have a diameter of 21/64 inches.

In one exemplary embodiment of the Writing Utensil Safety Sheath 1, thebody 2 may be made of a substantially rigid material strong enough towithstand normal use; for example, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, orother similar material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the grip 6 is malleable such that a usercan squeeze, bend, or deform the grip 6. The grip 6 may be made of afoam, rubber, or any soft, plastic, gripping material.

The slot 8 is located on the body 2 and exposes the internal channel 12.When a writing utensil 10 is in the Sheath 1, a user can slide thewriting utensil 10 within the channel 12 by directly contacting andpushing or manipulating the writing utensil 10 via the slot 8.

In one exemplary embodiment (not shown), the Writing Utensil SafetySheath 1 includes two or more slots 8. One slot 8 is centered on thebody 2 with a length of about 2⅜ inches and, for example, a second,smaller slot 8 located closer to the second end 14. In one non-limitingembodiment, the slot 8 may have a width of about 0.25 inches.

Referring to FIG. 2, a first extended position of the writing utensilwithin the Sheath 1 is shown. A writing end 18 of the utensil 10 extendsout of the first open end 4 and through the portion 7 of the grip 6 thatcontinues beyond the first open end 4. Inside the portion 7 of the grip6 that extends beyond the first open end 4, the grip 6 contacts thewriting utensil 10 near the writing end 18. Thus, the grip 6 isconfigured to maintain the writing utensil 10 in the first extendedposition when a user holds the grip 6 to write.

The writing utensil 10 is retained through a combination of compressiveforce which is applied by the grip 6 having an internal diameter sizedto hold the writing utensil 10. Friction is also applied by the grip 6directly contacting the writing utensil 10. By varying material orinternal diameter of the grip 6, the grip 6 can be configured to resista range forces applied to the writing end 18 from 0.5 N and up. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the predetermined force may be 1.5 N. Thus, thegrip 6 may be sized to compress the writing utensil 10 and resistsliding back into the body 2 until a force greater than 1.5 N is appliedto the writing end 18, for example, during a fall or stabbing motion,the writing end 18 of the utensil 10 will slide back into the body 2 ofthe Sheath 1.

In some embodiments of the Sheath 1, the grip 6 may be configured toprevent the writing utensil 10 from sliding out of the open end 4 unlessa force is applied by a user to the writing utensil 10 via the slot 8.In some embodiments, the required force to be applied by the user is aslittle as 0.01 N.

In some embodiments, the Writing Utensil Safety Sheath 1 includes anO-ring 20 or other similar type of gasket. The O-ring 20 is configuredto maintain the writing utensil 10 in either the extended position orthe retracted position by applying compression to the writing utensil10. In one exemplary embodiment, when the O-ring 12 is affixed to thebody 2, the O-ring 20 applies a compressive force to the body 2. Thecompressive force is then transferred through the body 2 and acts on thewriting utensil 10 within the channel 12.

In some embodiments, there is at least one notch 22 (shown in FIG. 3) inthe body 2. The O-ring 20 may be affixed to the body 2 at the notch 22such that the O-ring 20 applies compressive force to the body 2 as wellas friction to the writing utensil 10 by direct contact with the writingutensil 10 through the notch 22.

In one non-limiting embodiment, an O-ring 20 may be locatedapproximately 1 5/16 inches from the first end 4. The O-ring 20 may beaffixed to the body and seated in a notch 22 (or slit or hole) in thebody 2. Thus, the O-ring 20 provides the compressive force around thebody 2 as well as friction directly to the writing utensil 10 throughthe notch 22.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the first embodiment of theSheath 1 is shown. In this view, the slot 8 is located near the firstopen end 4 and the notch 22 is located between the first open end 4 andthe slot 8. However, the notch 22 may be located anywhere along the body2. Optionally, the O-ring 20 may be placed over the slot 8 and no notch22 is necessary.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the Writing Utensil SafetySheath 1 is shown having a second open end 24. The second open end 24may include a second grip 26.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second extended position of the writing utensil10 within the Sheath 1 is shown. The second grip 26 is affixed to thebody 2 on the second open end 24, and a portion 27 of the second grip 26extends out beyond the second open end 24 of the body 2. An opposite end28 of the utensil 10 extends out of the second open end 24 and throughthe portion 27 of the second grip 26 that continues beyond the secondopen end 24. Inside the portion 27 of the second grip 26 that extendsbeyond the second open end 24, the second grip 26 contacts the writingutensil 10 near the opposite end 28. Thus, the second grip 26 isconfigured to maintain the writing utensil 10 is in the second extendedposition when a user holds the second grip 26 to erase.

The second grip 26 may be configured to prevent the writing utensil 10from sliding out unless a force is applied by a user to the writingutensil 10 via the slot 8. In these embodiments, the second grip 26 isalso configured to allow the opposite end 28 to slide back into thesecond open end 24 when a force greater than a predetermined amount isapplied to the opposite end 28.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that theembodiments described herein are not limited to what has beenparticularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unlessmention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all ofthe accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A writing utensil safety sheath comprising: abody having a first open end and an internal channel, the internalchannel sized to retain at least a portion of a writing utensil in botha first extended position and a retracted position; and a grip affixedto and extending beyond the first open end of the body, the gripconfigured to contact a writing end of the writing utensil when thewriting utensil is in the first extended position thus retaining thewriting utensil in the first extended position during use, the gripfurther configured to allow the writing end of the writing utensil toretract back within the first open end of the body when a force appliedto the writing end exceeds a predetermined amount.
 2. The writingutensil safety sheath of claim 1, further comprising a slot on the bodyexposing at least a portion of the writing utensil within the internalchannel, the slot configured to allow a user to manipulate the writingutensil within the body.
 3. The writing utensil safety sheath of claim1, further comprising an O-ring, the O-ring affixed around the body, theO-ring applying compressive force to the body thus further retaining thewriting utensil within the body.
 4. The writing utensil safety sheath ofclaim 3, further comprising a notch in the body, the notch configured toreceive the O-ring thus allowing the O-ring to contact the writingutensil and apply additional compressive force.
 5. The writing utensilsafety sheath of claim 1, further comprising: a second open end and asecond grip, the second grip affixed to and extending beyond the secondopen end of the body, the second grip configured to contact an oppositeend of the writing utensil when the writing utensil is in a secondextended position thus retaining the writing utensil in the secondextended position during use.
 6. The writing utensil safety sheath ofclaim 1, wherein the internal channel is sized to retain both thewriting end and an opposite end of the writing utensil in the retractedposition.
 7. A writing utensil safety sheath comprising: a body having afirst open end and an internal channel, the internal channel sized toretain at least a portion of a writing utensil in both a first extendedposition and a retracted position; and an O-ring affixed to the body,the O-ring configured to apply a compressive force on the body, and tosecure the writing utensil in either the first extended position or theretracted position, the O-ring further configured to allow a writing endof the writing utensil to retract back within the first open end of thebody when a force applied to the writing end exceeds a predeterminedamount.
 8. The writing utensil safety sheath of claim 7, furthercomprising a notch on the body, the notch configured to receive theO-ring, thus allowing the O-ring to contact the writing utensil throughthe notch and apply compressive force to retain the writing utensil ineither the first extended position or the retracted position.
 9. Thewriting utensil safety sheath of claim 7, further comprising a slot onthe body exposing at least a portion of the writing utensil within theinternal channel, the slot configured to allow a user to manipulate thewriting utensil within the internal channel.
 10. The safety sheath ofclaim 7, further comprising a grip affixed to and extending beyond thefirst end of the body, the grip configured to contact the writing end ofthe writing utensil when the writing utensil is in the first extendedposition thus retaining the writing utensil in the first extendedposition during use, the grip further configured to allow the writingend of the writing utensil to retract back within the first open end ofthe body when a force applied to the writing end exceeds thepredetermined amount.
 11. The writing utensil safety sheath of claim 10,further comprising a second open end and a second grip, the second gripaffixed to and extending beyond the second open end of the body, thesecond grip configured to contact an opposite end of the writing utensilwhen the writing utensil is in a second extended position thus retainingthe writing utensil in the second extended position during use.
 12. Thewriting utensil safety sheath of claim 7, wherein the internal channelis sized to retain both the writing end and an opposite end of thewriting utensil in the retracted position.
 13. A writing utensil safetysheath comprising: a body having a first open end and an internalchannel, the internal channel sized to retain at least a portion of awriting utensil in both a first extended position and a retractedposition; a grip affixed to and extending beyond the first open end ofthe body, the grip configured to contact a writing end of the writingutensil when the writing utensil is in the first extended position thusretaining the writing utensil in the first extended position during use,the grip further configured to allow the writing end of the writingutensil to retract back within the first open end of the body when aforce applied to the writing end exceeds a predetermined amount; and anO-ring affixed to the body, the O-ring configured to apply a compressiveforce on the body and to secure the writing utensil in either the firstextended position or the retracted position, the O-ring furtherconfigured to allow the writing end of the writing utensil to retractback within the first open end of the body when a force applied to thewriting end exceeds the predetermined amount.
 14. The writing utensilsafety sheath of claim 13, further comprising a notch on the body, thenotch configured to receive the O-ring, thus allowing the O-ring tocontact the writing utensil through the notch and apply compressiveforce to retain the writing utensil in either the first extendedposition or the retracted position.
 15. The writing utensil safetysheath of claim 13, further comprising a slot on the body exposing atleast a portion of the writing utensil within the internal channel, theslot configured to allow a user to move the writing utensil into thefirst extended position or the retracted position by contacting thewriting utensil through the slot.
 16. The writing utensil safety sheathof claim 13, further comprising a second open end and a second grip, thesecond grip affixed to and extending beyond the second open end of thebody, the second grip configured to contact an opposite end of thewriting utensil when the writing utensil is in a second extendedposition thus retaining the writing utensil in the second extendedposition during use.
 17. The writing utensil safety sheath of claim 13,wherein the internal channel is sized to retain both the writing end andthe opposite end of the writing utensil in the retracted position.